Spectacle Head is a headland on the northern shore of Frederick Henry Bay between Carlton and Dodges Ferry. The Marine Life Network guide rates it as an unspectacular shore dive in 3-8 m: small reefs extend from shore over a bottom of brittle, heavily eroded mudstone, with tube worms, corals, sponges and a few small crayfish in the deeper water, and better fish life around the point. The eroded mudstone creates pockets and ledges that host small invertebrates and juvenile fish, and snorkellers can see much of the reef from the surface on a clear day.

The guide notes that the bluff is too steep to climb down with gear, so divers face a long walk from Red Ochre Beach, and that the shallows have poor visibility after bad weather. Its value is as a quiet local site for Hobart's eastern-shore divers and snorkellers who want somewhere different, or as an option for less fit parties who can snorkel while others dive. Whale Rock, about a kilometre offshore, is the better dive if you have a boat.

Temper expectations: this is a pleasant, low-key reef rather than a destination. For Hobart divers it is best treated as a quick local option on a calm day, or as a snorkel for a mixed group, rather than a site to travel far for. Bring a torch to look into the pockets in the mudstone, where small crabs, shrimps and juvenile fish shelter, and allow plenty of time and energy for the walk back along the beach with heavy cold-water gear.

From Hobart drive east via Sorell to Dodges Ferry/Carlton (about 40 minutes). The Marine Life Network guide says the bluff itself is too steep and slippery for direct access, so park at Red Ochre Beach and walk along the shore to the headland – a long walk in gear. Entry is from the beach or rocks at the base of the headland.

Allow extra time and consider a trolley for gear on the sand.

Faces south into Frederick Henry Bay and is exposed to southerly weather; the Marine Life Network notes poor visibility in the shallows after bad weather. Dive on calm days after northerly or westerly winds. South-westerly changes arrive quickly, and the long walk back makes it important to exit before conditions deteriorate.

Summer sea breezes add chop in the afternoon.

Enter near the headland, swim out along the small reefs to the point and explore the deeper water around it, where fish life is better. Return along the reef.

No operator trips; independent shore divers.